Senecio brasiliensis impairs eclosion rate and induces apoptotic cell death in larvae of Drosophila melanogaster

Effect of Industrial Pollution in Puchuncaví Valley on the Medicinal Properties of Senecio fistulosus Poepp. ex Les (Asteraceae): Content of Phytoconstituents and Their Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities

Senecio fistulosus, an endemic plant in Chile, is highly regarded for its medicinal properties and is popular in alternative medicine. It thrives even in polluted areas, like Puchuncaví Valley, Chile. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the impact of industrial pollution in Puchuncaví Valley, Chile, on the phytoconstituent content, as well as the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities, of S. fistulosus. Phenols, flavonoids, and anthraquinones content were measured, alongside the assessment of antioxidant activities. Additionally, a GC-MS analysis was conducted to profile the phytoconstituents, while the cytotoxic potential was evaluated in HT-29 and MCF-7 and cell line non-tumorigenic MCF-10. The Wild sample exhibited a greater concentration of phytoconstituents (0 to 169.48 mg·L-1) compared to the Commercial control (0 to 95.38 mg·L-1), directly correlating with its antioxidant activity. While the Wild species showed cytotoxic activity, the Commercial control demonstrated cytotoxic effects on MCF-10 and MCF-7. Noteworthy compounds identified were hexadecanoic acid (12.76 to 19.57% relative area) and (Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid (18.36% relative area), with anticancer properties. In conclusion, the abiotic stress experienced by S. fistulosus led to higher phytoconstituent content and improved antioxidant activity when contrasted with the Commercial control. The Commercial species showed increased cytotoxic activity against both tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic cell lines.

Pre-imaginal exposure to mancozeb induces morphological and behavioral deficits and oxidative damage in Drosophila melanogaster

Mancozeb (MZ), a manganese/zinc containing ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate, is a broad-spectrum fungicide. Chronic exposure to MZ has been related to several organisms' neurological, hormonal, and developmental disorders. However, little is known about the post-natal effects of developmental exposure to MZ. In this study, Drosophila melanogaster was subjected to a pre-imaginal (eggs-larvae-pupae stage) model of exposure to MZ at 0.1 and 0.5 mg/mL. The emergence rate, body size, locomotor performance, sleep patterns, and molecular and biochemical parameters were evaluated in post-emerged flies. Results demonstrate that pre-imaginal exposure to MZ significantly impacted early emerged flies. Additionally, reduced progeny viability, smaller body size and delaying in emergence period, locomotor impairment, and prolonged sleep time were observed. Content of glucose, proteins, and triglycerides were altered, and the bioenergetics efficiency and oxidative phosphorylation at complex I were inhibited. mRNA stade state levels of genes responsive to stress, metabolism, and regulation of circadian cycle (Nrf2, p38, Hsp83, Akt1, GPDH, tor, per, tim, dILP2, and dILP6) were augmented, pointing out to stimulation of antioxidant defenses, insulin-dependent signaling pathway activation, and disruption of sleep regulation. These data were followed by increased lipid peroxidation and lower glutathione levels. In addition, the activity of catalase and glutathione-S-transferase were induced, whereas superoxide dismutase was inhibited. Together, these results demonstrate that developmental exposure to MZ formulation led to phenotype and behavioral alterations in young flies, possibly related to disruption of energetic metabolism, oxidative stress, and deregulation of genes implied in growth, sleep, and metabolism.

Exposure to trans fat during the developmental period ofDrosophila melanogasteralters the composition of fatty acids in the head and induces depression-like behavior

Given the importance of understanding the disorders caused by trans fatty acids (TFAs), this study sought to add different concentrations hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF) to the diet of Drosophila melanogaster during the developmental period and evaluate the effects on neurobehavioral parameters. Longevity, hatching rate, and behavioral functions were assessed, such as negative geotaxis, forced swimming, light/dark, mating, and aggressiveness. The fatty acids (FAs) present in the heads of the flies were quantified as well as serotonin (5HT) and dopamine (DA) levels. Our findings showed that flies that received HVF at all concentrations during development showed reduced longevity and hatching rates, in addition to increased depression-like, anxious-like, anhedonia-like, and aggressive behaviors. As for the biochemical parameters, there was a more significant presence of TFA in flies exposed to HVF at all concentrations evaluated and lower 5HT and DA levels. This study shows that HVF during the developmental phase can cause neurological changes and consequently induce behavioral disorders, thereby highlighting the importance of the type of FA offered in the early stages of life.

Effect of fungal indoor air pollutant 1-octen-3-ol on levels of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide as well as dehydrogenases activities in drosophila melanogaster males

Fungal pollution of indoor environments contributes to several allergic symptoms and represents a public health problem. It is well-established that 1-octen-3-ol, also known as mushroom alcohol, is a fungal volatile organic compound (VOC) commonly found in damp indoor spaces and responsible for the typical musty odor. Previously it was reported that exposure to 1-octen-3-ol induced inflammations and disrupted mitochondrial morphology and bioenergetic rate in Drosophila melanogaster. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of 1-octen-3-ol on dehydrogenase activity, apoptotic biomarkers, levels of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as antioxidant enzymes activities. D. melanogaster flies were exposed to an atmosphere containing 1-octen-3-ol (2.5 or ∞l/L) for 24 hr. Data demonstrated that 1-octen-3-ol decreased dehydrogenases activity and NO levels but increased ROS levels accompanied by stimulation of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities without altering caspase 3/7 activation. These findings indicate that adverse mitochondrial activity effects following exposure of D. melanogaster to 1-octen-3-ol, a fungal VOC, may be attributed to oxidant stress. The underlying mechanisms involved in adverse consequences of indoor fungal exposure appear to be related to necrotic but not apoptotic mechanisms. The adverse consequences were sex-dependent with males displaying higher sensitivity to 1-octen-3-ol. Based upon on the fact that the fly genome shares nearly 75% of disease-related genes to human exposure to this fungus may explain the adverse human responses to mold especially for males.

Extraction of bioactive compounds from Senecio brasiliensis using emergent technologies

Several plant species synthesize biologically active secondary metabolites. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are a large group of biotoxins produced by thousands of plant species to protect against the attack of insects and herbivores, but they are highly toxic for humans and animals. In this study, extracts from the aerial part of Senecio brasiliensis were obtained using different technologies: ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), and microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG). The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these technologies for the extraction of chemical compounds found in this plant, focusing on two pyrrolizidine alkaloids: integerrimine and senecionine. Influential parameters on yield and chemical composition were also evaluated: for UAE and MHG, temperature and pressure; for PLE, temperature, and percentage of ethanol. All the extraction techniques were efficient for the extraction of integerrimine and senecionine. The UAE and PLE stood out for the higher yields and number of compounds. The PLE presented a maximum yield of 18.63% for the matrix leaf and the UAE a maximum yield of 11.82% for the same matrix. These two techniques also stood out in terms of the number of compounds, once 36 different compounds were found via PLE and 17 via UAE.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02845-1.

Fungal compound 1-octen-3-ol induces mitochondrial morphological alterations and respiration dysfunctions in Drosophila melanogaster

Fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) comprise a group of compounds commonly found in damp or water-damaged indoor places affecting air quality. Indoor fungal pollution is a severe threat to human health, contributing to the onset of allergic diseases. The compound 1-octen-3-ol, known as "mushroom alcohol", is the most abundant VOC and confers the characteristic mold odor. Exposure to 1-octen-3-ol induces inflammatory markers and episodes of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis; however, the effects of this compound towards mitochondria are fairly known. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of 1-octen-3-ol on inflammatory targets and on mitochondrial morphology and bioenergetic rate in D. melanogaster. Drosophilas were exposed by inhalation to 2.5 μL/L and 5 μL/L of 1-octen-3-ol for 24 h. Observation showed a decreasing in the survival and locomotor ability of flies. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was induced whereas Catalase (CAT) activity was inhibited. Analysis of the mitochondria respiration, detected inhibition of complex I and II in the electron transport chain and a decreased bioenergetic rate. Electronic microscopy provided morphological insights of the mitochondrial status in which a disarrangement in mitochondrial cristae profile was observed. 1-Octen-3-ol induced increased activity of caspase 3/7 and ERK phosphorylation. The mRNA relative steady-state levels of p38^MAPK and JNK were down-regulated, whereas NF-κB and p53 were up-regulated. In parallel, nitrite levels were induced in relation to the non-exposed group. These findings point to the mitochondria as a crucial target for the toxicity of 1-octen-3-ol in parallel with activation of pro-inflammatory factors and apoptotic signaling pathway cascade.

Croton campestris A. St.-Hill Methanolic Fraction in a Chlorpyrifos-Induced Toxicity Model in Drosophila melanogaster: Protective Role of Gallic Acid

Croton campestris A. St-Hill popularly known as "velame do campo" is a native species of the savannah from northeastern Brazil, being used in folk medicine due to its beneficial effects in the treatment of many diseases, inflammation, detoxification, gastritis, and syphilis; however, its potential use as an antidote against organophosphorus compound poisoning has not yet been shown. Here, the protective effect of the methanolic fraction of C. campestris A. St.-Hill (MFCC) in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to chlorpyrifos (CP) was investigated. Flies were exposed to CP and MFCC during 48 h through the diet. Following the treatments, parameters such as mortality, locomotor behavior, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Exposure of flies to CP induced significant impairments in survival and locomotor performance. In parallel, increased reactive oxygen species and lipoperoxidation occurred. In addition, the activity of acetylcholinesterase was inhibited by CP, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase activity was induced. Treatment with MFCC resulted in a blockage of all CP-induced effects, with the exception of glutathione S-transferase. Among the major compounds found in MFCC, only gallic acid (GA) showed a protective role against CP while quercetin and caffeic acid alone were ineffective. When in combination, these compounds avoided the toxicity of CP at the same level as GA. As far as we know, this is the first study reporting the protective effect of MFCC against organophosphate toxicity in vivo and highlights the biotechnological potential of this fraction attributing a major role in mediating the observed effects to GA. Therefore, MFCC may be considered a promising source for the development of new therapeutic agents for the treatment of organophosphate intoxications.

Ellagic acid prolongs the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster

Wild-type Canton-S flies of Drosophila melanogaster were treated with ellagic acid at 100 μM and 200 μM concentrations. Longevity assay showed male flies fed with 200 μM ellagic acid displayed longer mean lifespan and maximum lifespan than control flies. Female flies fed with 200 μM ellagic acid laid less number of eggs than control. The eclosion time was less in female flies fed with 200 μM ellagic acid. Ellagic acid fed female flies performed better than male flies and control flies for heat shock tolerance and starvation stress. Male flies treated with 100 μM ellagic acid recovered faster from cold shock compared with control flies. Male and female flies treated with ellagic acid displayed increased survival following exposure to 5% hydrogen peroxide. Gene expression studies displayed upregulated expressions of CAT, dFOXO, ATG1, and SOD2 in ellagic acid-treated male flies, and upregulated expressions of dFOXO, CAT, and SOD2 in ellagic acid-treated female flies. Results from these studies show the pro-longevity effect of ellagic acid on Drosophila melanogaster.

Exposure of Drosophila melanogaster to Mancozeb Induces Oxidative Damage and Modulates Nrf2 and HSP70/83

Mancozeb (MZ), a manganese- and zinc-containing ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate, is a broad-spectrum fungicide. Harmful effects of this fungicide have been reported in nontarget organisms via a not fully understood mechanism. Drosophila melanogaster has provided remarkable contributions for toxicological studies. This work was aimed at evaluating the biochemical targets and implication of oxidative stress in MZ-mediated toxicity in drosophilas. Exposure of flies for fifteen days to MZ at 5 and 10 mg/mL through the diet impaired locomotor performance and induced fly mortality. In parallel, it caused lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and Mn overload. MZ inhibited superoxide dismutase and inducted catalase and glutathione S-transferase activities. Nitric oxide and reduced glutathione levels were significantly decreased by MZ. Heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP83) and Nrf2 mRNA levels were significantly augmented in MZ-exposed flies. Our study reinforced the use of Drosophila melanogaster as a reliable model for the study of biochemical targets of pesticides, and based on our data, MZ induced oxidative damage and Mn accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner. An adaptative cellular state was inducted by the lower concentration of pesticide, possibly contributing to the slighter damage observed.

Cellular Responses in Drosophila melanogaster Following Teratogen Exposure

Studies focusing on the teratogenicity of a series of new chemicals that are produced in a daily basis represent an important focus in toxicological/pharmaceutical research, particularly due to the risks arising from occupational exposure of the subjects. However, the complex mating procedures, scheduling of treatments, requirements for trained personnel, and elevated costs of traditional teratological assays with mammals hamper this type of assessments. Accordingly, the use of Drosophila melanogaster as a model for teratological studies has received considerable attention. Here some general protocols about Drosophila exposure-at different stages of their life cycle-to any chemical with putative teratological activity are presented. Importantly, some details about D. melanogaster embryonic, larval, pupal, or adult endpoints, that can be used to assess teratogenicity using flies as a model organism, are presented.